Pear Butter
Pear Butter offers a smooth, sweet spread with rich pear flavor and a hint of orange. Perfect for enhancing breakfast toast, biscuits, or cheese platters, it suits those who enjoy homemade preserves with natural fruitiness and a touch of citrus brightness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine pears and water in a large Dutch oven.
- Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 40 minutes or until pears are soft, stirring occasionally.
- Drain the pears.
- Press pears through a sieve or food mill to make a puree.
- Measure 1 quart of the pear puree.
- Combine the 1 quart of pear puree with remaining ingredients in a Dutch oven.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 15 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and skim off foam.
- Quickly pour hot pear mixture into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.
- Wipe jar rims.
- Cover immediately with metal lids and screw on bands.
- Process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother pear butter, consider using a food processor instead of a sieve for pureeing the pears. If you want to reduce sugar, try using honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener—just adjust the quantities to taste. Also, feel free to experiment by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for additional warmth and flavor, which can complement the pears nicely.
Serving Suggestions
Pear butter makes a delightful spread for toast, muffins, or pancakes. It can also be used as a filling for pastries or paired with cheese for a savory platter. For a unique twist, try it with the 12-Hour Cole Slaw for a sweet and tangy contrast that will elevate your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pear butter in a cool, dark place for up to a year if properly canned. Once opened, keep it refrigerated and consume within a few weeks. To reheat, simply scoop out the desired amount and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pear Butter contains roughly 550 calories, with 9g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (103% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (84% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 23g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pears for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ripe Bartlett or Anjou pears are recommended for their sweetness and softness, you can mix in other varieties like Bosc or Red pears. Just ensure they are ripe for best results in flavor and texture.
Is it necessary to process the jars in a boiling water bath?
Yes, processing the jars in a boiling water bath is crucial for preserving the pear butter. This step ensures that any bacteria are eliminated, making your spread safe for long-term storage. Skipping this could lead to spoilage.
How do I know when the pear butter is thick enough?
The pear butter is ready when it has thickened significantly and coats the back of a spoon. You can also do the plate test—spoon a small amount onto a cold plate; if it holds its shape and doesn’t run, it’s done!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).